Christchurch: Pakistan’s T20 International (T20I) captain Salman Ali Aga is ready for Aga Mochan as he expressed optimism to the series opener against New Zealand on Sunday.
At a pre-series press conference, the 31-year-old all-rounder highlighted the team’s strength and expressed confidence in his performance.
“We did not live up to our own standards or the expectations of our fans, which is why they are disappointed. But we have a new team, and this does not mean that it is not a good team.
Salman said, “There are also experienced players in the team, and we believe that we have a strong combination to play and win good cricket.”
After his comment, Black Caps trampled the green shirt in the back-to-back tournament, including the Tri-Nation Series and the International Cricket Council Champions Trophy-on home soil.
He acknowledged the importance of spinners despite the green pitch and provided updates on the injured players Fakhar Zaman and Sam Ayub.
‘The pitch looks green, but the spinners will also get some help. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf have performed well in T20 cricket, and we will remember Fakhar Zaman and Sam Ayub, who are prominent players. Thankfully, they are quickly recovering and should return to action for the upcoming series, “he said.
Additionally, he discussed the ongoing transition phase in Pakistan cricket, which stressed the need to develop new combinations after years of dependence on Stallwarts Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
He said, “Babar Azam and Rizwan have contributed a lot to Pakistan cricket, and now we are working on building a new combination. The playing XI has not yet been finalized, but we are confident in our squad and focus on giving strong performances,” he said.
It is appropriate to mention that green and blackcaps have five T20i in the white-chain chain between men, followed by three-day international (ODI), which is lasting until 5 April.
The series is also at the beginning of young talents Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz, who has earned their first call-up to the national team.
The final T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand took place in April 2024, when Blackcap visited Pakistan. After the first game in Rawalpindi, the five-match series ended in a draw 2–2, washed out due to rain.
New Zealand T20I Squad:
Michael Bracewell (Captain), Finn Ellen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Dafi, Zakari Folks, Mitchell Hey, Matt Henry, Kyle Jaimison, Derail Mitchell, James Neesham, Will Oorke, Tim Robinson, Ben Siers, Tim Safart, Esh Sodi.
Pakistan T20I squad:
Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Shadab Khan (Sub-Capt), Abdul Samad, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahanand Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan, Shahin Khan.
Schedule for New Zealand tour of Pakistan
- March 16 – First T20I, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- March 18 – Second T20 Eye, University Oval, Dunedin
- March 21 – Third T20 Eye, Eden Park, Auckland
- March 23 – Fourth T20I, Bay Oval, Mount Monggui
- March 26 – Fifth T20I, Sky Stadium, Wellington
- March 29 – First ODI, McLeen Park, Napier
- April 2 – Second ODI, Sedon Park, Hamilton
- April 5 – Third ODI, Bay Oval, Mount Maunaganui
